s quiet as she walked down the hallway. She held her bag tightly. As she wa

make a good impression. She didn't have the hi

ee a young woman with neatly styled hair and a friendly smile approachi

phie replied, forc

quiet activity as early arrivals set up for the day. "This will be your desk. You'll primarily handle administrative tasks-s

ental notes as Clara co

he was arranging her stationery when she heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. The atmo

eele had

she saw the day before. His suit was impeccable, but his tie was slightly tightened, and his eyes were shado

hey all greeted him, their to

e briefly before landing on Sophie. His eyes lingered for a second, u

ice. "He's... not in the best mood today. Just

n's expression. Why was he starring at her like tha

****

d over the entire office, even as he remained locked away in his office. His dark mood hadn't lifted since his arrival, and whispers of

n, focus on your work." Sophie had no intention of doin

o. What she liked about the place was, that the employe

ter lunch when

hrough the intercom. "I nee

but was unsure if she had grabbed the right one. Panic set in as she flipped through the folde

for the next file, but in her haste, the w

Adrian's office, her mind racing. This was it-the first real

r and knocked, the sound f

ice sounded from withi

t behind his massive desk, his back to the door, but his posture was rigid. He didn't loo

y despite the nerves twisting in her sto

t when he reached out to grab the file, h

the label before his gaze snapped to hers. Th

report," he said, his v

Mr. Steele, I must have grabbed the wrong o

his expression darkening by the second. His

ers, cutting through the her with brutal force. "How difficult

low as the weight of his anger hit her. She had only

ered, her words rushing out in a despe

the file back onto the desk with a force that made her sh

You've wasted my time, Sophie. I don't tol

to apologize, but before she could say anything

out.

d never felt so small, so insignificant. But she couldn't argue. She couldn't fight back.

lowed her, low and dangerous. "Don't come b

r heart racing, her mind spinning with the humiliation of the moment. The office

as her bad moments came cropping in, but sh

****

n her chest, but there was little she could do now except push forward. She focused on her breath, inhaling dee

a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Melissa st

loser. "I know it's your first day, but

ing a tight smile.

office. "Don't take it personally. He's tough on everyone. But you've got to

hroat dry. "I get it. I

le on her face. "Good. You'll be fine. Just r

's phone buzzed, and she glanced at

n five minutes," Melissa said. "But don't hes

replied, grateful for the

ng the weight of the day press down on her shoulders. She nee

phone buzzed on the desk. The sudden sound mad

ber her mum'

till in work" She hanged up but when the

heard what the speaker said, shock a

at!